The pier will be illuminated in different colours to remember those who have died from a debilitating disease.

Blue and red lights will shine onto the Palace Pier this weekend to raise awareness of World Meningitis Day.

The disease, which affects 2.5 million people across the world, affects the brain and spinal cord and can cause serious sickness, brain damage and even sepsis.

Seventeen buildings across the UK are lighting up to spread awareness of the deadly disease, which mostly affects children under five, including the Palace Pier on Saturday evening.

Meningitis Research Foundation ambassador Mike Davies, from Brighton, contracted group W meningococcal meningitis over during Christmas in 2017.

He lost both his hands and legs to the disease, and now walks with prosthetic legs and became the tenth hand transplant recipient in the UK.

Mike shared his story in digital collection Meningitis in Your Words, run by the charity to raise awareness of the dangers.

“My wife was told three more times that I wouldn’t make it. My son made sure he said everything he wanted to me. When they held my hand, I said I could not feel it," he said.

"In fact, my body’s defences had made sure there was blood to my heart and brain, but my hands and feet were dying. I should have died, but I survived.

"I am a lucky man.

"I have a hugely fulfilling life and I share my journey wherever I can to help others.”

Raising awareness is one of the key aspects of the World Health Organization’s global road map to defeat meningitis by 2030, which could save up to 200,000 people from dying from meningitis every year.

Vinny Smith, chief executive of the Meningitis Research Foundation, said: “Meningitis is a medical emergency. Minutes matter - awareness and early recognition of the signs saves lives.

"That’s why on World Meningitis Day every year people come together from all corners of the globe to ensure no one learns about meningitis for the first time when they are seriously ill.”